OzoGroup of Qormi has announced a €4 million investment in a new factory in Hal Far, enabling it to expand into new sectors, including manufacturing, and to increase its workforce by 25 per cent from its current 1,200 to 1,500, as it celebrated its 20th anniversary.
The OzoGroup, whose subsidiaries include OzoSystems, OzoMalta, OzoGozo, OzoAcademy, OzoCare and OzoSecurity, was started by Chairman Mario Muscat from his son Fabio's bedroom. During an event to celebrate its 20th anniversary, held on the 28th June at Villa Arrigo, San Pawl tat-Tarġa, it unveiled a new brand image, signed a new collective agreement with the General Workers' Union and made a donation to President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca for the Malta Community Chest Fund.
In an emotional speech, Mario Muscat recounted the humble beginnings of the business. He said he never imagined that he would have achieved so much, employing so many people and achieving ISO certification for the third year in a row.
OzoGroup was also identified among the most inspiring companies in Europe. It has just been awarded the National Public Champion in the European Business Awards.
Mr Muscat's dream will be fully realised when he will be endorsed by "Elite", a European group of organisations, giving the OzoGroup full access to the European market. While thanking everybody present, and looking forward to the future, Mr Muscat encouraged everyone to never let go of their dream.
Among those who addressed the event were Education and Employment Minister Evarist Bartolo, who welcomed the OzoGroup's investment in training through the OzoAcademy. The biggest asset the country has is its human resources and Mr Bartolo emphasised the link between the government, the union and the management to organise the workers' quality of work in the best way possible.
In his address, Economy, Investment and Medium Sized Companies Minister Chris Cardona welcomed the rebranding, congratulated OzoGroup on its ISO certification and awards, and emphasised the importance of investment by medium-sized companies like OzoGroup, which obtained recognition on a local and international level.
Being recognised by the London Stock Exchange as being one of a thousand companies from among 23 million companies to inspire Europe is no mean feat and should do us all proud, Dr Cardona said. The success of OzoGroup is a testament of the Maltese workers' skills and, with volatile economic scenarios like Brexit, it is companies like these that instil confidence for a bright future.
The event began with an elegant press launch for media, business partners and management in which OzoGroup announced a newly branded look and feel. OzoGroup Chief Executive Officer Fabio Muscat introduced Etienne Mallia from LogixCreative and invited him to present the new branding through a nostalgic corporate video.
Mr Fabio Muscat then introduced OzoSecurity General Manager Mario Calleja, who thanked Chairman Mario Muscat for fulfilling his dream that had grown into a group of companies that employs over 1,200 people, all of whom thanks to him come to work with a smile.
Mr Calleja then went on to explain that the company took the initiative to invite the General Workers' Union to be present on the day to sign a milestone collective agreement for the employees. In his address GWU General Secretary Josef Bugeja thanked OzoGroup and its Chairman for this initiative. He welcomed better work practices and the clean health and safety work environment, adding with satisfaction that trade unions are being seen as an opportunity rather than a threat.
The event came to a close with the donation from the OzoCharity foundation to the Malta Community Chest Fund. President Coleiro Preca praised the new collective agreement and thanked the Muscat family for being not only friends but a huge contribution to the Maltese economy.